As reported, Nortel on Monday (Oct. 17) appointed Zafirovski, a former executive of Motorola, as president and chief executive. He replaces William Owens, who is leaving the company (see Oct. 17 story).
But on Oct. 18, Motorola filed a suit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Ill. against Zafirovski. The suit alleges that Zafirovski, who resigned earlier this year as Motorola's president and chief operating officer, “has breached various agreements with Motorola by accepting this position with Nortel and that this position with Nortel will inevitably result in the use or disclosure of Motorola's trade secrets,” according to Nortel (Toronto).
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to enjoin Zafirovski from rendering services to Nortel for two years, from soliciting or hiring Motorola employees, and from utilizing or disclosing Motorola's confidential information.
The lawsuit does not name Nortel as a defendant, but the injunctive relief requested is against Zafirovski and his employers, among others.
Nortel and Zafirovski are currently reviewing the lawsuit and intend to pursue discussions with Motorola with a view to resolving the dispute over Zafirovski's appointment.